Cuddy Mountain - 7,867

Cuddy Mountain is a commanding mountain easily visible from
surrounding valleys. Not surprisingly, it is one of Idaho's 50
finest. It is also the highpoint of the Cuddy Mountain Range.

We climbed via a well-maintained trail following East Brownlee
Creek. Coming from Cambridge, ID, take SR 71 north about 15 scenic
miles along Pine Creek. On the right, there will be a signed turnoff
for the Brownlee Creek Campground (Payette NF). Take this turnoff -
it will reach the campground in just over one mile, and continue on
to the trailhead. About 1/2 mile past the campground, you will reach
an unmarked fork - you'll want to stay left. About 1/4 mile later
there will be a marked trailhead and some parking. This is the start
of the hike.

The hike is about 3.75 miles and 3000 feet in elevation gain.
Starting from the trailhead, the trail climbs briskly up the East
Brownlee Creek, eventually reaching a signed pass right below Cuddy
Point. From this pass, start heading south towards Cuddy Mountain.
After hiking below the ridge for awhile, you will gain the ridge at a
junction with a 4WD road. I believe this is called the "Council-
Cuprum Road". From here, you can simply follow the road right below
Cuddy Mountain, then cross-country the last 20' of elevation gain.

Cuddy Mountain has a very flat summit, crowned by a cairn and
benchmark. A summit register (placed by Bob Packard IIRC) was in a
alumnium can replete with shredded edges - we replaced the container
with a nice innocuous plastic bag. At the summit, you are enveloped
in a cavalcade of surrounding mountain ranges - in particular the
Seven Devils, Wallowa, Hitt and West Mountains. Brownlee Reservior
on the Snake River is also visible. A very enjoyable fall HP.